The deployment of utility-scale solar photovoltaics (PV) has grown rapidly in recent years, as the installed costs for such systems have declined and regulatory structures have been modified to facilitate broader use. Utilities, corporations, and other organizations are finding that solar PV provides one of the most cost-effective and reliable, as well as non-emitting, sources of electricity. Solar can be installed nearly anywhere and rarely needs maintenance. Solar-thermal systems can also be installed in commercial applications to provide heating and hot water with relatively fast payback periods.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot initiative is a collaborative national effort to make solar energy technologies cost-competitive with traditional forms of energy by the end of this decade. The program goal is to reduce the total installed cost of utility-scale solar electricity to approximately six (6) cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) without any subsidies, which would result in rapid, large-scale adoption of solar electricity throughout the U.S. By reaching this goal we would see a resurgence of American technological leadership, improvement in the nation’s energy security, and strengthening of U.S. economic competitiveness in global clean energy markets.

The Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Energy works closely with communities throughout the Commonwealth and solar developers to assist in siting and facilitate permitting of utility-scale solar PV projects that provide clean, reliable power and bring economic development to our communities.